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Sanguineous cerebrospinal fluid in recanalized cerebral infarction

Stroke
|January 1, 1977
PubMed

Insights

Spontaneous recanalization of blocked cerebral arteries may lead to hemorrhagic infarction. This study found a strong link between artery recanalization and bloody cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in stroke patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cerebrovascular Diseases
  • Stroke Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Cerebral artery occlusion is a major cause of stroke.
  • The development of hemorrhagic infarction following ischemic stroke requires further clarification.
  • Spontaneous recanalization is a potential factor influencing stroke outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the causal relationship between spontaneous recanalization of occluded cerebral arteries and the development of hemorrhagic infarction.
  • To determine if recanalization is associated with the presence of blood in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 15 patients with internal carotid or middle cerebral artery occlusion was studied.
  • Consecutive lumbar punctures were performed to analyze cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
  • Follow-up cerebral angiography was conducted to assess arterial recanalization.

Main Results:

  • Seven out of 15 patients showed spontaneous recanalization.
  • Six of the seven recanalized patients had sanguineous (bloody) CSF on days 2-3 post-ictus.
  • Only one of the eight non-recanalized patients had bloody CSF.

Conclusions:

  • Spontaneous recanalization of occluded cerebral arteries is strongly associated with the development of hemorrhagic infarction.
  • The presence of bloody CSF in the early days after stroke may indicate recanalization and subsequent hemorrhagic transformation.

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